coral

The Review | MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze

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There aren’t many things – especially when thinking distinctly of the beauty variety – that I love more than one of those glowy highlighting blush shades so when you add a bronzy coral hue to the mix I’m hopeless to resist. Enter the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze ($37). The texture and formula of the MSFs that I love found in such a gorgeous bronzed coppery coral hue ensured that I wouldn’t be able to resist and while it’s not the most unique shade in my collection, I can’t say that I’m anything but pleased with my purchase. It has that smooth, buttery and pigmented formula that I’ve grown to love but actually has been included in MAC’s permanent collection unlike my other shades from the line and I do appreciate this and assume you would too, seeing that you would not have to battle to get a hold of such a difficult-to-find product. The shimmer is the most refined, reading on the skin in a luminous and not glittery or over-the-top fashion and despite the texture of the product, it lasts for a full day on the cheeks.

I will admit that it’s not so different from the cult-favourite Stereo Rose shade that I have this slight tendency to go on and on and on some more about, but Cheeky Bronze definitely both swatches and appears on the skin in a different manner, coming out much less pink-coral and more of a bronzed coppery coral. In terms of the drugstore spectrum, I don’t think it’s miles away from my loved Maybelline Master Highlight Hi-Lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze, either, but it’s not identical as it sits more coral and less outwardly bronze and coppery-hued. I suppose Cheeky Bronze is a shade that sits half-way in between both shades, having that bronziness and hint of copper that dominates in the Maybelline and the coral-hint of MAC Stereo Rose.

While it’s not quite as expensive as an Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush and significantly less expensive than a blush from any of the indulgent fashion houses like Chanel, this MAC product costs a pretty penny but I’m comforted that it comes with a generous 10 grams or 0.35 ounces that keeps things economical. I’m saying that I believe that this illuminating powder is worth the price and I’d say that its versatile because it works on anyone on the medium or lighter side of the spectrum as a blush shade and on darker skins as a highlighter.

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Have you tried a MSF before?
Maggie, x.
P.S. I have not dropped off of the face of the earth…. I’ve just been without a moment to spare in this midterm season!

The Essential: NARS Orgasm Blush

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I was fully intending to title this post “The Eternal Standby”, but then I decided that perhaps that was a tad overdramatic and would make any further posts of this kind rather difficult as my indecisive nature coupled with choosing products of that nature would be an absolute disaster. The NARS Orgasm Blush ($33 CDN)is one of those products that straddles the line of being a cult favourite and one that many (including some of those who I trust implicitly about all things beauty) dub as completely overrated but regardless of all that hoopla, it’s one that I can go through phases of using constantly and forgetting about for a while, but as soon as it is dug out again I remember why exactly I fell in love with it in the first place, regretting my neglection instantly. As it’s morning here (as I write this post and even earlier when I took pictures), the pink-leaning coral with fine golden shimmer running throughout wasn’t showing up great so I’m using a flash photo despite my qualms of how it makes my foundation look (my loved Rimmel Wake Me Up, if you’re curious — it’s not shiny in real life FYI).

This was one of my very first purchases from Sephora and was my first foray into NARS and it definitely impressed in formula even beyond the flattering hue. It’s pigmented in a buildable way, has good longevity and its texture is smooth and sits on the skin organically, bringing some subtle glow and brightness to the face. I’m shocked that being the blush hoarder that I am, I haven’t tried any more. I plan on remedying this is in the not-too-distant future…

 

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L-R: MAC Stereo Rose MSF (LE), NARS Orgasm Blush, MAC Springsheen Powder Blush
 

I’ll have you know that I was rather pleased with myself today, for actually providing a comparison swatch photo and a not altogether horrendous one at that, if you ask me. These illuminating coral blushes will forever hold a place in my heart as they seem to flatter my fair but warm-toned skin like no other but NARS Orgasm holds a special place due to its versatility. It doesn’t look outwardly coral on the cheeks but rather looks rosy in a way that outdoes traditional pink offerings and instantly brightens the face without looking obvious in the slightest. Although the shimmer particles in this one are the most noticeable of the three, it blends into the skin whilst looking invisible and has less of a metallic sheen than the others. Because of its pink-coral hue, it tends to suit both warm and cool looks and the smokiest of eyes and bold lip offerings; this is why it’s a standout in my book. If you need further convincing of my love for this, I’ve actually hit pan on this beauty. Mmhmmm.

So this was not the planned post for today but when I put on my makeup, featuring this beauty, I was overcome with inspiration — typical. I want to know your thoughts on this famous product, regardless of whether you’re on the love or hate side of things!

Maggie, x.

The Daily Face #18

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This was not the post that I initially planned to write today but I was pleased with the result of my makeup today, I managed to get a decent picture or two of the result and it kind of captured that breezy, low-key but flattering kind of makeup look that I’ve been after as of late but hadn’t yet found success with. Although it was beyond unnecessary, I decided to begin with my eyes, using the NYX HD Eyeshadow Base over my lids and then filling in my brows with MAC Coquette Eyeshadow while the primer set. Although I haven’t been using it consistently by any means, I pulled out the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. As a base of sorts and to brighten things up, I went for Burnouton the inner portion of the lid. Nooner was then blended through the crease and Liarwas packed onto the lid, concentrating on the outer-half. Because I can’t resist some outer corner definition even on these kind of makeup days, I patted Factory,the plummy hue into the outer corner and blended it out softly. Because liner is essential for me, I went for the Annabelle Smoothliner in Blackboth to tightline (because it actually doesn’t transfer) and on the upper and lower lashlines in a slightly-blended fashion. As always, I went for a few coats of the Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara to both upper and lower lashes. I finished the eyes, then, patting the Bobbi Brown Light to Medium Bisque Corrector into the areas of darkness underneath my eyes and blended as per usual.

As I’m continuing to enjoy the primer, I massaged the Annabelle “CC” Colour Control Luminous Finish Instant Perfecting Baseinto the skin to help with makeup sitting seamlessly on the skin and to add a subtle luminosity. The foundation used shouldn’t be a shocker to anyone, as I’ve been using the velvety but luminous and skinlike Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup in 10— I’m still in absolute love. I’m not usually one to apply highlighter before other cheek products but given the cream consistency of the subtle but instantly-glowy Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Pink Light,I patted it onto the tops of my cheekbones. Rather than going in with my usual Real Techniques Contour Brush, I used a much larger kabuki brush with the NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny for less of a contoured effect and more of a bronzed one and then I used my old stand-by, MAC Stereo Rose MSFon my cheeks.

My lips are in that horrific state, chapped and peeling so I knew that I honestly shouldn’t be wearing anything other than balm but I didn’t listen, instead pulling out the balmy L’Oreal Colour Caresse in Sunset Angorathat I hadn’t used in forever seeing as the formula is both forgiving and hydrating. The pinky coral hue also is a bonus — I have to use this more in the future. I’m kind of fixated on the brightening and flattering hue and certainly I need more of these in my life…

So, here’s my attempt at more of a low-key everyday-appropriate makeup look (and not just to my standards). What’s your go-to makeup for days like these? I’m curious?
Maggie, x.

 

 

 

The Acquisition: MAC Sweet & Sour Lipstick

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I’m actually free from all that exam-period loveliness and it feels strange indeed but I’m thrilled about it. In celebration, a beauty product or two was obviously in order and I went by the mall to pick up MAC Sweet & Sourand I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Sweet and Sour came out with the “All About Orange” collection last summer that I regrettably skipped on afterwards so I couldn’t have been more thrilled when MAC recently made it permanent with a good number of previously limited-edition lipsticks and glosses. And I picked it up when I spotted it. It retails for the standard MAC lipstick price — $19 CDN — and the muted orange-leaning coral lipstick has the ever-popular Cremesheen finish and while this finish as a whole isn’t my favourite as its not forgiving on the lips and can feel kind of grainy at times, this has to be one of the best Cremesheens I’ve ever tried. This lipstick lasts three to four hours on the lips, is not drying — but it can accentuate dry patches slightly — and feels light and creamy on the lips so it has my vote.

I seem to compare any peachy-toned lipstick in the light colour family to the popular MAC Shy Girl which I cannot wear much to my dissatisfaction but this one is honestly an amped-up version of the popular shade that sits much nicer on my warm-toned fair skin. This shade is a perfect spring-summer everyday one for me as it isn’t full out orange or anything but has that hint of summeriness to it. I would have to describe it as being halfway between a warm-toned nude and a true tangerine kind of shade and because of this its surprisingly wearable on an everyday basis. I love this and I’m actually happy that MAC has surprised me by making some glorious shades permanent – woo. I doubt I’ll even need to make an effort to keep you updated on my thoughts on this shade; I suspect it will turn into one of my instant obsessions. MAC Sweet & Sour Lipstick is glorious. That just about sums it up. Oh, and I’m slightly in love if I haven’t mentioned it before. And I don’t know what to do with myself.

Will you be picking up any of the now-permanent shades?

Maggie, x.

It May Be Winter but I’ll Wear Coral if I Want To

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My latest makeup crisis has been lip colour related. I know that nudes, reds and vampy shades are in season at the moment but sometimes we don’t want to wear either of the three. My problem is that as I’ve said many times before, the natural pink-y shades do not work on my skin-tone particularly if they are cool-toned and that leaves coral-y shades which tend to scream summer. However, I really find lighter coral shades flattering and I think the whole you wear this colour in the summer and this other colour in the winter to be particularly irritating and limiting. These two lipsticks would typically be thought of as summer shades but I’ve been incorporating them throughout the cooler months as well — they’re what neutral shades look flattering on me. In my opinion, wear whatever makeup whenever you want to. End Rant. 

I picked up Juicy Papaya ($9) as soon as I spotted the four newer Revlon Lip Butters in my local drugstore sometime in August and I’ve been making good use of it ever since. The formula is nice and hydrating, lasting the 3-4 hours on the lips and being foolproof to apply. Blah, blah, blah. I’m that weird girl who adores that these have no scent or taste — I generally find scented products weird with the exception of mint-scented ones. This shade is difficult to describe but my best attempt would be to call it a warm-toned muted light coral shade. It’s exactly what I was hoping MAC Shy Girl to be but wasn’t. 

L’Oreal Colour Caresse Lipstick in Sunset Angora($12) is a much more recent addition to my makeup stash; I’ve been hesitant to pick one up because they retail for more than ten dollars and I’ve been waiting for a sale but they might just be worth their surprisingly high price tag. Going by the formula of this shade — a muted medium-toned warm-toned pink coral –, this moisturizing lipstick offering from L’Oreal might give Revlon a run for its money… well aside from the annoying perfume-y smell that is. Compared to these, the lip butters are thick and waxy on the lips and feel more like they’re coating your lips, whereas these feel lighter and more hydrating on the lips. The pigmentation is at least as good and they wear for the same amount of time.

Have you tried either of these? Do you think coral lips can be worn in the dead of winter?